Development of a nurse-led paediatric inflammatory bowel disease service

The incidence of paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, and treatment pathways are becoming more complex. Therefore, it is necessary to develop services that are able to manage these patients appropriately with consideration of national and international guidelines. It is important to recognise children are not just small adults and their needs are different to adult patients with IBD. This article discusses the process of establishing a paediatric IBD service at Northwick Park Hospital with the support of the adult IBD nursing service at St Marku0027s Hospital. Both hospitals are co-located on the same site as part of the London Northwest Healthcare Trust. The new role was designed to be managed jointly by the paediatric matron and adult IBD lead nurse to ensure the appropriate aspects of both specialties were reflected in the new service.